The average price of oxtails usually falls between $5 and $10 per pound. This can change depending on where you buy them and the quality. For example, if you shop at a local butcher or a specialty store, the price might be a little higher. At a regular grocery store, it could be closer to the lower end.
Oxtails come from the tail of the cow, and they are great for making soups, stews, or slow-cooked dishes. Because they have a lot of bone and connective tissue, they take longer to cook but add a rich flavor.
Prices also go up if you buy organic or grass-fed oxtails. If you want to save money, check out local markets or buy in bulk. Sometimes, frozen oxtails are cheaper than fresh ones.
So, if you’re planning to cook oxtails, expect to pay around $5 to $10 per pound depending on your store and the type you pick. It’s worth it for the tasty, hearty meals you can make with them.
Oxtail recipe South Africa
What Is the Average Price of Oxtails in 2025?
If you’ve been eyeing oxtails for your next cozy stew, you might’ve noticed they’re not cheap anymore. In 2025, the average price of oxtails in the United States is around $11.50 per pound, though this can vary quite a bit depending on where you’re shopping.
At major grocery chains, you’ll likely find prices between $10 to $14 per pound, especially for fresh, pre-trimmed pieces. But if you head to a local butcher or specialty store, you might see them priced even higher, sometimes closer to $16 per pound, especially if they’re grass-fed or organic.
Prices also vary by region. For example, in the Southern U.S., where oxtail is more popular in traditional cooking, it’s a bit easier to find deals. You might find it for as low as $8.99 per pound in local markets or discount meat shops. In contrast, cities like New York or San Francisco may have oxtails priced at a premium due to high demand and limited supply.
Frozen oxtails tend to be slightly cheaper than fresh ones. If you’re not in a rush, buying frozen is a smart move. The taste and texture hold up well when slow-cooked, and the savings can be significant, especially if you buy a large pack and portion it out.
It’s also worth noting that prices have gone up. Just five years ago, you could find oxtail for around $5 to $7 per pound in many places. Thanks to rising beef prices, higher demand, and processing costs, oxtail now sits among the more expensive beef cuts.
If you’re on a budget, this kind of jump is frustrating. But don’t worry later on, I’ll share some of my favorite ways to stretch your dollar while still getting all that rich, meaty flavor.
Why Are Oxtails So Expensive?
I used to think oxtails were just a cheap cut nobody wanted. Turns out, that was true about 20 years ago. But now, they’re a hot item. And with popularity comes a price hike.
The biggest reason oxtails are expensive is supply. There’s only one tail per cow. That means no matter how big the herd is, you’ll only get one set of oxtails from each animal. So when demand goes up, supply can’t keep up. It’s basic economics.
Then there’s demand. Oxtail is huge in Caribbean, African, Asian, and Southern U.S. cooking. These cultures have been cooking with oxtails forever, turning them into rich stews, soups, and gravies. And now, more people outside those traditions have caught on. Thanks to food bloggers, TikTok recipes, and fancy restaurants, oxtail is having its moment.
Processing is another factor. Oxtail isn’t like a steak you can just slice and sell. It’s labor-intensive. Butchers have to clean, cut, and trim each section, which takes time and effort. And since oxtail is mostly bone and connective tissue, the edible meat you get per pound is pretty low. You’re paying for flavor and richness, not bulk.
Lastly, let’s talk restaurants. Once oxtail became trendy, chefs started putting it on menus at higher-end spots. This helped drive up the price even more. It went from being a “scrap” cut to a gourmet item, and the market followed.
Bottom line: scarcity, labor, and demand are what’s making oxtails so pricey these days. It’s frustrating, but also kind of amazing to see how this once-overlooked cut is finally getting the love it deserves.
Where to Buy Oxtails at a Good Price
Finding oxtails without paying an arm and a leg can feel like a treasure hunt. But with a little know-how, you can score some decent deals.
First, check out local ethnic markets. Places that serve Caribbean, Asian, or Latin American communities often have oxtails at lower prices than big grocery chains. I remember grabbing a pack for about $9 a pound at a Caribbean market once way cheaper than the $14 I saw elsewhere.
Next, wholesale clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club can be great if you’re willing to buy in bulk. Sometimes they have frozen oxtails in bigger packages that work out cheaper per pound. The trick is freezing them in smaller portions so you don’t waste any.
Don’t overlook online meat delivery services either. Sites like Crowd Cow or Porter Road offer grass-fed or organic options. They can be pricier upfront but often include discounts for first-time buyers or bundle deals. Plus, the convenience is a bonus if you don’t have good local options.
Sometimes, farmer’s markets or direct-from-ranch sources have oxtails too. It’s less common, but if you build a good relationship with a local farmer or butcher, you might get better prices or special cuts.
Finally, keep an eye out for sales or ask your butcher if they have any “soup bones” or tail ends. Those are often cheaper and still pack tons of flavor for stews.
Tips to Save Money When Buying Oxtails
Buying oxtails can get pricey fast, but don’t let that scare you away. I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that help keep costs down without skimping on flavor.
One of my favorites is to buy in bulk and freeze. If you find a good deal, grab a bigger pack and split it into meal-sized portions. Just wrap them tightly in freezer bags, and they’ll last for months. It saves a ton compared to buying small amounts more often.
Also, don’t hesitate to go for frozen oxtails. Fresh is nice, but frozen often comes at a discount and works just as well in slow-cooked dishes. I’ve never noticed a difference in taste or texture after a long braise.
Another tip is to stretch your oxtail with other cuts. Mixing oxtail with tougher, cheaper beef like chuck or shank in your stew bulk ups the volume without losing richness. Plus, it makes the whole dish more budget-friendly.
Try to shop around and ask your butcher if they have any discounted tail ends or bones. Sometimes they’ll sell those cheaper since they’re not prime pieces but still great for flavor-packed soups and stews.
Finally, slow cooker recipes are your best friend here. Oxtail is all about that long, low heat love. Slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue and releases deep flavors, so a little goes a long way. You can even freeze leftovers for easy meals later.
With a few smart moves, you can enjoy oxtail dishes without breaking the bank. It just takes some planning and patience.
Oxtail Alternatives That Are Budget-Friendly
Let’s be real: sometimes oxtails just don’t fit the budget. But don’t worry, there are some solid substitutes that give you that rich, hearty flavor without the high price tag.
One of the best alternatives is beef short ribs. They have a similar amount of fat and connective tissue, so when you slow-cook them, they turn super tender and flavorful. Plus, they usually cost less than oxtails and are easier to find.
Another good option is beef shank or neck bones. These cuts have lots of collagen, which melts down to create that silky texture oxtail lovers crave. They’re often sold cheaper and work perfectly in soups and stews.
If you’re open to mixing it up, turkey tails or pork neck bones can also provide a similar gelatinous richness. They’re definitely more affordable and add a unique twist to your recipes.
To get the best flavor when using these substitutes, I like to add extra herbs, garlic, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to mimic the depth you get from oxtails.
While they won’t be exactly the same, these budget-friendly cuts can still deliver comfort and satisfaction in your slow-cooked meals. So next time the oxtail price feels steep, try one of these swaps and see how it goes!
Conclusion
Oxtails have definitely earned their spot as a beloved, flavorful cut, but the price in 2025 can be a real pinch on your wallet. With averages hovering around $11 to $14 per pound, knowing where and how to buy them makes all the difference.
Remember, supply limits and growing demand keep prices high, but there are plenty of ways to save like buying frozen, shopping ethnic markets, or trying tasty substitutes like beef short ribs or neck bones. Slow cooking is key too; it turns even cheaper cuts into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
At the end of the day, enjoy the process. Cooking oxtail or its alternatives is all about rich flavors and comfort. So get creative, shop smart, and don’t be afraid to experiment. If you’ve got your own money-saving tips or favorite oxtail recipes, share them in the comments I’m always excited to learn new tricks!